Hi there, Scribblers! Hope you had a very merry Christmas. How about we get started on that happy New Year? This time of year always feels like a marathon of holidays with New Year’s Eve shining as the main event.

New Year’s Eve is the ultimate time to celebrate. Usher in a new year, shout out the count down, cheer, make noise, toast, dance! You don’t have to go out to a fancy party to celebrate. You can have a blast at home with family and friends (especially if you have littles who can go to bed once they’re tuckered out). And nothing says celebration quite like confetti.

While there’s no doubt that confetti is messy, it’s just so festive! It’s also not quite as bad as glitter. Sometimes you just have to take on the extra clean up and enjoy the moment. One way to do that this year is with these adorable matchbox confetti holders from Carolyn’s Homework.

You’ll need matchboxes (the same number as guests you’re having over), festive paper (could be scrapbook, foil, wrapping, or origami), twine, and confetti (either bought or self-made).

Wrap the matchboxes in your bright, festive paper. Fill each one with a handful of confetti. To make your own, all you need is a hole punch and paper (this could be your leftover festive paper). Definitely do it over a piece of wax paper to funnel them into your boxes after and avoid rogue pieces.

Finally, close up the boxes and wrap some twine around them for an extra cheerful touch. If you want, you can add countdown numbers to each and have your own countdown confetti wave.

You’ll have to get the vacuum ready for the next morning, but the fun will be well worth the quick clean up. Here’s to a happy New Year’s Eve and an even happier New Year!

Photo via Carolyn’s Homework

Hi Scribblers,

New Year’s Eve is just a few days away! Have you started decorating? Today, we were busy getting scribbley and made our own New Year’s Eve Sparkle Ball!

This craft is super easy to make!

To start, push one end of the pipe cleaner into the Styrofoam ball.

Next, use the sequin pins to pin the sequins to the ball. To do this, simply push the pin through the center hole in the sequin.

Alternate colors of the sequins as you go around the ball.

Continue working your way around the ball until it is completely covered in sequins. Tie the wire ribbon to the pipe cleaner letting the ends fall to either side. Using Puffy Paint, write “Happy New Year” and  “2012″ on the Ribbon ends.

Twist the top of the pipe cleaner to make a loop.

Hang up and enjoy!

Hi Scribblers,

I bet you didn’t know it, but today, December 27th, is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day! I used to love making cut-out snowflakes in school, but as I sat down to try to make these fun little crafts, I realized I didn’t remember how to fold the paper to make the 6-sided shape! After some tinkering, I eventually figured it out and to save you the hassle, I decided to make today’s post a photo-tutorial to help you along!

To start, all you will need is a piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

First, fold the corner of the paper into an isosceles triangle (two equal sides).

Cut the remaining rectagluar piece off so that you have a square piece left over when you open up the triangle.

Refold the square into a triangle.

Fold in half again to make another triangle.

Imagining that your triangle is split in thirds, fold the first third over towards the center.

Next fold the opposite third over so that the points overlap.

Cut off the top (the points) at an angle, making sure to cut it so that all the layers are equal.

Cut into the folded sides to begin making your snowflake.

Get creative- cut out different shapes of different sizes and angles. Hint: For more intricate cutting, use cuticle nippers to make a more precise cut.

Unfold your finished snowflake to admire your work. You can glue your snowflake to a piece of colorful paper or string onto monofiliment and hang up near a window.

Enjoy!

For a little extra fun, save the scraps!!

These cut-out pieces make great confetti!